The Newsletter of the International School at Dundee

Friday

February 7, 2014

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

WINTER RECESS

President's Day

No School

7:45a Beg. Orch.

Gr. 3

7:55a Chorus

Part 1

9:45a-1p K Field Trip

Stamford Nature Center

Gymnastics through 4/11

7p WMS Magnet School Information Session

7:45a Adv.

Orchestra

Word Masters

Gr. 3-5, Meet II

9-11a Math in Focus Parent Workshop, Boys & Girls Club; and 6:30-8p, CMS

7:55a Chorus

Part 2

10a WMS Magnet School Information Session

Classical Cafe

Gr. 4 Band Lessons

BoE Meeting

N.L. 7p

7:45a Before-School

Band

Gr. 5 Band Lessons

K Orientation for Parents 9:15a

Dear ISD Families,

I hope you are all coping well with the winter weather we are experiencing. To say it has disrupted the natural flow and routine of school is an understatement. Continuity of instruction is contingent on a delicate thread and that "thread" has been tested. Teachers plan units around a series of lessons. Each day's lesson and it's implementation shape what the next day's lesson will be. With the recent disruptions to our school days, it has been taxing for teachers to keep the flow. However, they are masters at what they do and are making appropriate adjustments.

The Friday after we return from break is the scheduled day for our Kindergarten Orientation program (for parents only). If you have an incoming kindergartner for the `14-`15 school year, please mark Friday, February 21 at 9:15 on your calendar. The kindergarten team and I will have information regarding kindergarten, along with the registration information needed to complete the process. Invitations are being sent out with additional details. If you live in our attendance area, you should receive a letter. If you do not receive a letter, please contact the school office by Tuesday, February 18. Also, if you know of a family or neighbor who has recently moved into our attendance area, please encourage them to contact the school as we may not have them listed in our database.

If you are an ISD magnet family, please be sure to complete an application by the due date of February 28 for your incoming kindergartner (or for another grade level). At this time, I expect to accommodate all kindergarten age siblings of our magnet families given the smaller number of children of kindergarten age in our attendance area and a low number of siblings of our current students who are of kindergarten age. As a result, I am inviting you to attend our orientation program and receive registration material even though the lottery has not yet been held. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

On Wed., February 26, the PTA is sponsoring a presentation on bullying that will be delivered by GPS staff members. The staff and I heard this presentation and the presenter was extremely knowledgeable about this very important topic. Please try to attend if your schedule allows.

Lastly, I wish all of you a wonderful winter break. It is a good time to reenergize whether it is at home, in warmer weather or on the slopes. Be safe and enjoy.

Sincerely,

Terry Ricci

TRAVEL THE WORLD SOCIAL IS APRIL 5:

HOST FAMILIES ARE NEEDED

travel world social

Saturday April 5 is our annual Travel the World Social. We are looking for four families to host this fun evening for parents and teachers of ISD.

Last year was a blast considering all the homes were within walking distance and we would love to do the same this year. So talk to your ISD friends and neighbors and be part of this fantastic event!

Please contact Ann-Caroline van der Ham to see you how you can help or if you have questions/suggestions. See the flyer below for further details.

GYMNASTICS!

ISD Physical Education classes will be focusing on gymnastics following the February vacation. Our gymnastics program will help all students develop body management skills, and enhance flexibility, agility, balance, and strength. The children are all encouraged to master developmentally appropriate skill progressions based upon their own comfort level.

In addition, they will learn a variety of specialized movement concepts and skills: body rolling, balance skills, inverted balances, tumbling, walks and dismounts. They will also create and perform gymnastic routines.

Here are a few reminders to keep all students safe and comfortable during gymnastics:

- Students must communicate to P.E. teachers if they feel uncomfortable attempting any skill

- It is recommended that students wear comfortable athletic clothing

- Students may not wear any jewelry

- Long hair must be tied back

- Students must be wearing socks at all times, no

sneakers or bare feet

Thank you,

Mr. Boland and Mr. Bragdon

NEWS

PLEASE NOMINATE A DISTINGUISHED TEACHER

The Distinguished Teachers Awards Committee (DTAC) has launched the 2014 Distinguished Teachers Awards nomination process. Please visit the GPS web site to download the Nomination Instruction packet or visit the ISD office. The deadline for all nominations is March 6, 2014.

BAND NEWS

I would like to outline the Spring 2014 schedule for the ISD Band:

The 4th grade band will join the 5th grade band for three Friday morning rehearsals between February and May (please see schedule below). These will be in preparation for the spring concert (Tuesday, May 13). These three rehearsals are mandatory. If students miss more than one of these three rehearsals (for unexcused reasons), they will not be permitted to participate in the spring concert.

I will be waiting at the music room (Dr. Heikel) door in the front circle to let students in beginning at 7:15 a.m. Rehearsal will begin at 7:30 a.m., sharp. Students arriving after 7:30 a.m. may need to wait for someone to let them in the front entrance. This is done in an effort to provide a quality rehearsal, free from interruptions, for those students who arrive on time. (All other regularly scheduled Friday 5th grade rehearsals will begin at 7:45 a.m.).

Combined 4th/5th rehearsal schedule:

● February 28 (7:30 a.m.)

● March 28 (7:30 a.m.)

● May 2 (7:30 a.m.)

Should you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards -

Mr. Strange ISD Band Director

PLEASE CONTINUE TO BRING BOX TOPS IN

Thank you all those who have been bringing in the Box Tops for Education coupons you have been collecting for our school. Every dime counts, so please bring them in, even if you just have a few.

There is a special collections box, in the shape of a schoolhouse, in the hallway opposite the Main Office.

Please place properly cut Box Tops in a sealed envelope or bag with your child's name and class written on it. The class that collects the most Box Tops by the end of February 2014 will be in store for a special class celebration.

HELP US CELEBRATE OUR TEACHERS

The PTA is seeking a creative, organized,

appreciative parent to Co-Chair Teacher Appreciation Week (May 14-17).

For more information, contact

Carisa Sykes, PTA VP Volunteers,(203) 637-7089

GHS JAZZ ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE MARCH 13

I am very pleased to announce that the Greenwich High School Jazz Ensemble, led by Mr. John Yoon, will be performing once again for our elementary students. This year's event will be held at the International School at Dundee (media center) on Thursday, March 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event is FREE and open to all Greenwich elementary school students and their families. Mark your calendars!

In addition to performing, Mr. Yoon and the members of the jazz ensemble will take questions from students in the audience. This event is a great way for your child to experience, up close and personal, the musical opportunities available to them in just a few years here in Greenwich.

We hope to see you there!

Best,

M. Strange

SAVE THE DATE

"Understanding Bullying and Bullying Prevention"

Rescheduled ISD PTA General Meeting and Presentation

Alina A. Boie, Educational Evaluator and Certified School Psychologist

February 26, 6:30 p.m.

ISD CALENDAR

Please see the flyer at the end of this email for an updated school calendar through the end of this school year.

LOST & FOUND

Don't forget to check the Dragon's Lair (Lost & Found) -- across from the music room and art room. Items not collected TODAY will be donated to Mothers for Others.

CLASSICAL CAFE

The next

Classical Cafe

is February 20.

You are welcome to join your child during his/her lunch and enjoy a musical treat.

JOIN THE PTA NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee will work this spring to recruit volunteers for the 2014-2015 PTA initiatives.

For more information, contact Carisa Sykes,

PTA VP Volunteers,

(203) 637-7089.

PTA COUNCIL NOMINATIONS

Are you interested in participating in issues that impact all Greenwich Public Schools?

PTA Council is the collective representative of all GPS schools and works with the District to advocate for issues important to children and parents. The self-nomination period is open until March 1. If you are interested in finding out more, please click here to find a description of the Committees and the self-nominating form.

FEBRUARY IS FALL IN LOVE WITH BOOKS MONTH

Please see the flyer at the end of this email for information about how to support our Media Center in a special way. For a small donation, your child may choose a book to donate and his/her name will appear on the nameplate.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

WMS Magnet School Information Sessions

WMS

February 18 at 7 p.m. & February 20 at 10 a.m.

Those with children entering grades 6-8 interested in applying to Western can learn about the school and the IB program

Click for the magnet school application

Math in Focus

Parent Workshop

February 19

9-11 a.m.

Boys & Girls Club; and 6:30-8 p.m. CMS

See flyer below